Although state law already prohibits the use of public monies for abortion, the new law closes loopholes that were allowing some funds to trickle through to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood.

Ron Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, was pleased with Brewer's signature on the bill. The conference is the public policy arm of the Tucson and Phoenix dioceses, the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Eparchy of Arizona and the diocese of Gallup, N.M., which includes northeastern Arizona.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that the governor signed House Bill 2800," Johnson said. "Abortion providers can be very creative in how they use funds and arrange funds and we wanted to make absolutely sure to close any loopholes."

Brewer's signature on H.B. 2800 was the culmination of what Johnson called a "tremendously successful, five-star, pro-life legislative session."

In April, the governor signed H.B. 2036, a bill that outlaws abortions after 20 weeks, and S.B. 1009, which keeps abortion providers out of public and charter schools.

Rep. Justin Olson, the Republican sponsor of H.B. 2800, and Jinny Perron, one of the founders of the East Valley Pro-Life Alliance, both attended the Susan B. Anthony List reception to witness Brewer signing the measure.

"It was awesome," Perron said. "We are so happy to be one of nine states that have done this. For the state of Arizona to defund Planned Parenthood is a big step."